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Strangers in Paradise Trade Paperbacks #3
Strangers in Paradise, Volume 3: It's A Good Life
Chronicles the relationship between three friends--Katchoo, Francine, and David--and the people they fall in and out of love with, in a story of dark pasts, hopeful futures, double-crosses, and true friendship.
88 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 1997
4 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Terry Moore
824 books649 followersFollowing the examples of independent comic creators such as Dave Sim and Jeff Smith, he decided to publish Strangers in Paradise himself through his own Houston-based "Abstract Studios" imprint, and has frequently mentioned a desire to do a syndicated cartoon strip in the authors notes at the back of the Strangers in Paradise collection books. He has also mentioned his greatest career influence is Peanuts' Charles Schulz.[1] Some of Moore's strip work can additionally be found in his Paradise, Too! publications.
His work has won him recognition in the comics industry, including receiving the Eisner Award for Best Serialized Story in 1996 for Strangers in Paradise #1-8, which was collected in the trade paperback "I Dream of You".
It was announced on June 15th, 2007 that Moore would be taking over for Sean McKeever as writer of Marvel Comics's Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane series starting with a new issue #1. On July 27th, Marvel announced that Moore would also take over for Joss Whedon as writer of Marvel's Runaways.[2]
On November 19th, 2007 Terry Moore announced in his blog that his new self-published series would be named Echo and its first issue would appear on March 5th, 2008.[3]
His work has won him recognition in the comics industry, including receiving the Eisner Award for Best Serialized Story in 1996 for Strangers in Paradise #1-8, which was collected in the trade paperback "I Dream of You".
It was announced on June 15th, 2007 that Moore would be taking over for Sean McKeever as writer of Marvel Comics's Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane series starting with a new issue #1. On July 27th, Marvel announced that Moore would also take over for Joss Whedon as writer of Marvel's Runaways.[2]
On November 19th, 2007 Terry Moore announced in his blog that his new self-published series would be named Echo and its first issue would appear on March 5th, 2008.[3]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 17, 2017
This seems to be a more transitional volume in the series. Not as much action as the last one. This time the focus is on the relationships between the main characters; lots of misunderstanding, emotional chaos, and reconciliation. I did not give it a full 5 stars because the ending was a bit abrupt to me, but still another great volume!
This volume compiles issues #10–13 of Volume 2 of the series. (I know, confusing right – Volume 3 of the trade paperback has part of volume 2 . . . Moore restarted the numbering on the series twice. So, after this volume it all keeps going up from 1)
I still cannot recommend this series enough. Anyone and everyone should give it a try. If you avoid comics/graphic novels because you are not into superheroes, this is not that! This is more raw, emotional, and real. The artwork and poetry are fantastic. If you can read this series and not fall in love with Francine and Katchoo, you may not have a heart!
This volume compiles issues #10–13 of Volume 2 of the series. (I know, confusing right – Volume 3 of the trade paperback has part of volume 2 . . . Moore restarted the numbering on the series twice. So, after this volume it all keeps going up from 1)
I still cannot recommend this series enough. Anyone and everyone should give it a try. If you avoid comics/graphic novels because you are not into superheroes, this is not that! This is more raw, emotional, and real. The artwork and poetry are fantastic. If you can read this series and not fall in love with Francine and Katchoo, you may not have a heart!
October 11, 2017
All of human facets in their glory! Enjoying the ride....
December 15, 2016
I enjoyed so much the first two volumes but this one was truly awful. Both David and Francine's ex-boyfriend become extremely persistent, demanding the attention of the female main characters no matter what, trespassing the boundaries of privacy and personal space. Freddie is obviously a pig (though in the beginning of this volume we're supposed to feel sorry for him, or something? *barf*) but still manages to get under Francine's skin, though thankfully, in the end, she sees through his bullshit (you had to go all the way to Hawaii to your ex's weird naked marriage to realize that?!?!? Seriously?!?!?!).
But David is a different thing all together. You see, David is such a sweet guy who is sooooo in love with Katchoo to the point he doesn't believe her when she tells him she's neither interested in him nor in men. I mean, he loves her, ever since he first saw her! Who cares if she doesn't feel the same way! So of course he's going to stand outside her house, out in the pouring rain, until she decides to take him in. Really Katchoo, really? You're going to fall for that shit?
And then there's the small things like when this girl suspects her boyfriend is hiding something so she shows her boobs to his friend. That's totally something women do when their partners are hiding something. Or when one of the characters is watching a tv show about a couple that found out that both were transgender, followed by a transphobic portrayal of them (ahahahahahahha a guy wearing a dress and makeup and a beard! ahahahhahah so funny, hilarious amirite - fuck off).
This all thing just made me incredibly mad. Unfortunately, I already bought vols. 4-6 so I really, really hope this gets better.
But David is a different thing all together. You see, David is such a sweet guy who is sooooo in love with Katchoo to the point he doesn't believe her when she tells him she's neither interested in him nor in men. I mean, he loves her, ever since he first saw her! Who cares if she doesn't feel the same way! So of course he's going to stand outside her house, out in the pouring rain, until she decides to take him in. Really Katchoo, really? You're going to fall for that shit?
And then there's the small things like when this girl suspects her boyfriend is hiding something so she shows her boobs to his friend. That's totally something women do when their partners are hiding something. Or when one of the characters is watching a tv show about a couple that found out that both were transgender, followed by a transphobic portrayal of them (ahahahahahahha a guy wearing a dress and makeup and a beard! ahahahhahah so funny, hilarious amirite - fuck off).
This all thing just made me incredibly mad. Unfortunately, I already bought vols. 4-6 so I really, really hope this gets better.
May 7, 2019
Most of this volume is dedicated to picking up all the broken pieces of the previous volumes. It is close and intimate and there was one-afternoon where I was reading a bit of it in a coffee shop that I almost started balling my eyes out.
I'm so glad that I finally decided to give these a shot. Only three volumes in and I am already listing it as one of my all time favs.
The art is FANTASTIC and the characters are complex and emotional and...well...a basket of crazy. They are real people and so easy to identify and fall in love with. I'm trying to pace myself and read this a bit slower so I can have it last a bit...but it's pretty damn hard to stop myself from just sitting down and gorging on it all as fast as I can.
I'm so glad that I finally decided to give these a shot. Only three volumes in and I am already listing it as one of my all time favs.
The art is FANTASTIC and the characters are complex and emotional and...well...a basket of crazy. They are real people and so easy to identify and fall in love with. I'm trying to pace myself and read this a bit slower so I can have it last a bit...but it's pretty damn hard to stop myself from just sitting down and gorging on it all as fast as I can.
July 24, 2018
Focuses more on the relationships and character dynamics in this series. Mostly dealing with the aftermath of the previous arcs. I’m really enjoying the dialogue and the chemistry between the characters.
July 15, 2021
(Zero spoiler review for the series as a whole and the score for the individual volume)
So I am writing this literally a few minutes after finishing this story, and it all feels a little bit raw and unexpected. Unexpected for the fact that I thought a had a couple of hundred pages to go. I had been powering through the second book for the last two days, and I stopped after a binge read this morning. When I came back to it just now, I read a page, turned another one, and found the story abruptly ended. A few days before, I had carefully flipped through to the last few pages to see how long it was, so I knew how much I had to read and look forward to. It seemed like there was no added content at the end, and the story went to the final page. Good I thought, and returned to my reading. To say the end of the story hit me like a tone of bricks would be an understatement. Its true the story had sort of reached a natural conclusion, although going off the little twist in the middle of the book, I kind of thought there was one more arc to come, although maybe I need to go back and read it again. I kind of feel like I was robbed of something. I read 200 pages today, and then somehow stopped two pages before the end without realising it. I settled in for another 200 pages, to find I only had 2 left. I don't really feel like reading the additional content. Most of it isn't the story itself, and I don't want to add those memories to what is something pretty close and personal right now. I think I'll sit with it and let it gestate before I delve into it, if I ever do. Let the grieving process commence.
So what's the story like? It's certainly not perfect, although I just can't imagine finding another graphic novel that will ever come close to doing what this one did. In a medium that is overflowing with easily digestible content and two bit superheroes, Strangers in Paradise stands apart as something pretty damn special. Francine and Katchoo, and the small but memorable cast of side characters will stay with me for a considerable time to come. Yes, the conspiratorial/crime aspects of the story were a little far fetched and weak at times (especially in the first half of the story where it was most prominent). Pretty much every male character played second fiddle to the female cast. Very one dimensional, with the slight exception of David, who was obviously more fleshed out, although always came across as subservient to the women around him. You can tell Terry Moore leans very much to the left, although I could have done without much of the modern day identitarianism that reared its head throughout. Whilst the females characters were flawed, they were never portrayed as the sexist Neanderthals most of the men were. It was at times, grossly stereotypical. Moore might have been going for humour, although it just soured a wonderful story somewhat. In fact, if I wasn't so invested in the story, you would be looking at lesser marks, and a much more critical review from me. Not to mention that every female character seems to be a lesbian. I guess I'm still a big softie at heart, that this rather lovely tale about love shone through, despite the flaws. Moore's artwork was near to faultless throughout. Some of his panels I just lingered on, feeling the emotions dripping off of the page. True, he occasionally over reached, like the excessive poetry and lyrics, although when he nailed it, it was pretty damn memorable. I've read Echo, which was written after this, as far as I know, and the art just didn't resonate the same way as it did here. Though Echo will never be as adored or heralded as SiP is. Even the title is one of the most poignant and evocative titles a work of fiction has ever had. I really miss that this is over. You absolutely need to read this, now! 4.75/5
OmniBen.
So I am writing this literally a few minutes after finishing this story, and it all feels a little bit raw and unexpected. Unexpected for the fact that I thought a had a couple of hundred pages to go. I had been powering through the second book for the last two days, and I stopped after a binge read this morning. When I came back to it just now, I read a page, turned another one, and found the story abruptly ended. A few days before, I had carefully flipped through to the last few pages to see how long it was, so I knew how much I had to read and look forward to. It seemed like there was no added content at the end, and the story went to the final page. Good I thought, and returned to my reading. To say the end of the story hit me like a tone of bricks would be an understatement. Its true the story had sort of reached a natural conclusion, although going off the little twist in the middle of the book, I kind of thought there was one more arc to come, although maybe I need to go back and read it again. I kind of feel like I was robbed of something. I read 200 pages today, and then somehow stopped two pages before the end without realising it. I settled in for another 200 pages, to find I only had 2 left. I don't really feel like reading the additional content. Most of it isn't the story itself, and I don't want to add those memories to what is something pretty close and personal right now. I think I'll sit with it and let it gestate before I delve into it, if I ever do. Let the grieving process commence.
So what's the story like? It's certainly not perfect, although I just can't imagine finding another graphic novel that will ever come close to doing what this one did. In a medium that is overflowing with easily digestible content and two bit superheroes, Strangers in Paradise stands apart as something pretty damn special. Francine and Katchoo, and the small but memorable cast of side characters will stay with me for a considerable time to come. Yes, the conspiratorial/crime aspects of the story were a little far fetched and weak at times (especially in the first half of the story where it was most prominent). Pretty much every male character played second fiddle to the female cast. Very one dimensional, with the slight exception of David, who was obviously more fleshed out, although always came across as subservient to the women around him. You can tell Terry Moore leans very much to the left, although I could have done without much of the modern day identitarianism that reared its head throughout. Whilst the females characters were flawed, they were never portrayed as the sexist Neanderthals most of the men were. It was at times, grossly stereotypical. Moore might have been going for humour, although it just soured a wonderful story somewhat. In fact, if I wasn't so invested in the story, you would be looking at lesser marks, and a much more critical review from me. Not to mention that every female character seems to be a lesbian. I guess I'm still a big softie at heart, that this rather lovely tale about love shone through, despite the flaws. Moore's artwork was near to faultless throughout. Some of his panels I just lingered on, feeling the emotions dripping off of the page. True, he occasionally over reached, like the excessive poetry and lyrics, although when he nailed it, it was pretty damn memorable. I've read Echo, which was written after this, as far as I know, and the art just didn't resonate the same way as it did here. Though Echo will never be as adored or heralded as SiP is. Even the title is one of the most poignant and evocative titles a work of fiction has ever had. I really miss that this is over. You absolutely need to read this, now! 4.75/5
OmniBen.
September 11, 2019
¿Aftermath en castellano? ¿Secuela, resaca?
Más que nuevas historias de los tres héroes nos encontramos con el epifonema final, el epílogo de I Dream Of You. O un interludio, aún no lo sé.
Una persecución por amor que termina en Hawaii como excusa para mostrar varias escenas que sucedieron entre bambalinas en el volumen anterior. Un hilo conductor muy flojo que el autor aprovecha para engordar las páginas sin mucho respeto por el lector. Soluciona tramas que ni me había dado cuenta de que estaban sin terminar. Abre tramas, para lo siguientes...
Para completistas. Aunque si has llegado hasta este...
Más que nuevas historias de los tres héroes nos encontramos con el epifonema final, el epílogo de I Dream Of You. O un interludio, aún no lo sé.
Una persecución por amor que termina en Hawaii como excusa para mostrar varias escenas que sucedieron entre bambalinas en el volumen anterior. Un hilo conductor muy flojo que el autor aprovecha para engordar las páginas sin mucho respeto por el lector. Soluciona tramas que ni me había dado cuenta de que estaban sin terminar. Abre tramas, para lo siguientes...
Para completistas. Aunque si has llegado hasta este...
May 31, 2019
Sure, "It's a Good Life" isn't as good as "I Dream of You" was, but what a standard to hold it to! It's hard to top that nine-issue run, with its blend of neo-noir and romantic dramedy. This three-issue coda definitely steps away from the heavier genre elements, embracing the more satirical and sweet side of Terry Moore's universe, but it's not bad by any means. David, Francine and Katchoo keep getting more and more endearing, and Freddie is as obnoxious as ever. Where can the series go from here? It's hard to say. But I'll keep reading!
February 23, 2021
While the art keeps getting better with each consecutive volume, this was the first one where the story and character development didn't go anywhere. If anything, it was a reversal of the status quo back to its original state for the upcoming reboot. No harm done, still looking forward to the rest of the series. I would just have preferred it better if Terry Moore tied up the arc's conclusion in a more elegant fashion.
April 8, 2021
The pandemic has not been kind to my mental health. Honestly, I’ve not been able to read a book for months, so thank the gods for comics! My brain has been extra loud and they are all I can actually focus on. I haven’t read SIP in quite a few years, and it’s every bit as wonderful as I remember. Francine may be home to Katchoo, but these characters are home to me.
October 12, 2021
I love this series. Faults and all
December 30, 2022
Una buena coda para la gran historia del volumen anterior. Vamos por lo que viene...
January 26, 2023
Flojillo. Me sigue pareciendo que refleja actitudes anticuadas y la trama de este arco también me lo parece. Casi le daba las 2 estrellas si no fuera porque me ha resultado mínimamente entretenido.
February 14, 2024
Francine and Katchoo (worst character name ever) look identical on the cover, but for the haircuts. Still not a fan
March 9, 2024
A slight and considerably more inconsequential read than I remember it being - doing little more than neatly wrap up the first series before a short lived move to Image.
July 5, 2023
I love this series. Partiality for nostalgia and partiality in memory of friends long since passed. This volume is short and a quick read. It is an integral part of the wider story though.
August 30, 2019
This book is actually amanzing.
January 27, 2014
Paste from my review of Volume 1. I've read most of the series and feel the same review overall applies to everything:
The series has beautiful black and white line art throughout. It's the main reason I ever started it. Terry Moore is a masterly graphic artist and a riveting storyteller. I suspect I'll read anything he puts out. That said, I prefer Rachel Rising (horror) and Echo (science fiction), personally. SiP (as fans tend to call it) is a work focused almost entirely on how people relate to each other.
What an odd duck. This thing is described in quite a wide variety of ways, and mostly accurately. It's resemblance to a soap opera, happily, is all in the title. For that, it's a bit too realistic, too low in character count, too well-written, too laden with mafia intrigue/action, and too often taught in college literature classes. I'm curious as to why though. I wouldn't teach it in mine. It's not *that* good. It might be particularly relevant to a fem lit class, however, which might elevate the collegiate value of the book because of what it says and how it says it from a sociocultural standpoint rather than from a literary one.
The series has beautiful black and white line art throughout. It's the main reason I ever started it. Terry Moore is a masterly graphic artist and a riveting storyteller. I suspect I'll read anything he puts out. That said, I prefer Rachel Rising (horror) and Echo (science fiction), personally. SiP (as fans tend to call it) is a work focused almost entirely on how people relate to each other.
What an odd duck. This thing is described in quite a wide variety of ways, and mostly accurately. It's resemblance to a soap opera, happily, is all in the title. For that, it's a bit too realistic, too low in character count, too well-written, too laden with mafia intrigue/action, and too often taught in college literature classes. I'm curious as to why though. I wouldn't teach it in mine. It's not *that* good. It might be particularly relevant to a fem lit class, however, which might elevate the collegiate value of the book because of what it says and how it says it from a sociocultural standpoint rather than from a literary one.
February 5, 2016
http://morethansuperhumans.blogspot.c...
After the frantic pace of the previous volume, this volume serves as a sort of emotional coda to the events in I Dream of You. Here we learn that Freddie Femur is still in love (or at the very least obsessed) with Francine, despite being engaged to the beautiful but "kinda dim" Casey. And Francine wonders about the true nature of her relationship with Katchoo. Her pondering leads her to Hawaii to confront Freddie on his wedding day, and Katchoo and David must race to stop her. This volume also provides more backstory on David's past, including a flashback that shows how Katchoo and Emma disappeared the night that $850,000 of Mrs. Parker's money went missing.
Apart from the wonderful, realistic relationship dialogue that adorns every volume of SiP, the comedic highlight of this volume is Freddie and Casey's "romantic" wedding that takes place beneath a frigid Hawaiian waterfall.
After the frantic pace of the previous volume, this volume serves as a sort of emotional coda to the events in I Dream of You. Here we learn that Freddie Femur is still in love (or at the very least obsessed) with Francine, despite being engaged to the beautiful but "kinda dim" Casey. And Francine wonders about the true nature of her relationship with Katchoo. Her pondering leads her to Hawaii to confront Freddie on his wedding day, and Katchoo and David must race to stop her. This volume also provides more backstory on David's past, including a flashback that shows how Katchoo and Emma disappeared the night that $850,000 of Mrs. Parker's money went missing.
Apart from the wonderful, realistic relationship dialogue that adorns every volume of SiP, the comedic highlight of this volume is Freddie and Casey's "romantic" wedding that takes place beneath a frigid Hawaiian waterfall.
December 5, 2014
2012 Reread: I got lost in this for a month. My very first full reread since the series hit its ending. Since I knew where it would start and go and end up. It was just as terrible, wonderful, painful, heartbreaking, heart healing, amazing as every other read. I never stop knowing my heart belongs to this.
~*~
2014: Graphic Novel Book Club, Read #3 (Duo Set -- Book One)
This one was my rec to the group. I will never stop loving everything about SIP as long as I can read words and remember it's story. I was really glad to get to introduce it to brand new people, and to spend an afternoon/evening tearing it apart with them. It was such a blast.
~*~
2014: Graphic Novel Book Club, Read #3 (Duo Set -- Book One)
This one was my rec to the group. I will never stop loving everything about SIP as long as I can read words and remember it's story. I was really glad to get to introduce it to brand new people, and to spend an afternoon/evening tearing it apart with them. It was such a blast.
January 23, 2014
Compared to other works I've read of his, Mr. Moore seems spread a little thin here, but that's nothing. I jumped into Strangers in Paradise and even pages in I felt that no matter where else I might picked up in this tale, I would have fallen in love with its characters and its story right away. Top tier writing. Every page is a pleasure. Please feed this man your first born child and 10% of your retirement fund post haste. And don't take my word for it that he's good. Read him!
July 31, 2008
This book is a lovely break from the drama so you can spend more time with the characters. The facial expressions are wonderful! As are those moments of connection between characters that take turns pulling at my heart strings & making me giggle.
March 9, 2011
Again, I'm re-reading Strangers In Paradise. This volume finishes up some plot threads from Vol 2 (I Dream of You) and opens new situations that will last the rest of the series. The artwork is completely solid throughout as well. Mr. Moore was in top form here.
August 28, 2014
Although there were many great moments ahead - including the transformation of Casey from annoying airhead to my favorite character - if SiP had ended right here it would be a perfect series. The love triangle - more like a pentagon actually - is wrapped up in a very satisfying way.
May 11, 2015
Still loving the series. I love the horror that is Freddie Femurs. I'm curious about how long it will be before there's a triad happening. I love that Moore has me so hooked I wish I had more reading time in my day.
Good stuff.
Good stuff.
July 19, 2008
See my review here: http://panelpatter.blogspot.com/2008/...
January 4, 2017
Strangers in Paradise was the first comic title I was obsessed with, not counting The Crow, which was a different thing all together. SIP was consistently astounding.
September 1, 2009
not my favorite of the series, but still packed full of sweet sweet drama, conspiracies, and suspense! this volume was such a tease!
September 11, 2012
Do you know, I found these in the big weird warehouse sale on 41st and 2nd in Brooklyn and they were heckuva cheap. I just want to mention that. In passing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews